Are you a university student passionate about communications, journalism, public relations, media relations, events, and the music industry? The Recording Academy, the organization behind the prestigious GRAMMY Awards, is inviting qualified students to apply for its Fall 2026 Communications Internship.

This opportunity is designed for students who want to gain practical experience in a fast-paced communications environment while learning how a major organization in the global music industry manages public relations, media engagement, events, content development, press coverage, research, and communications projects.

The internship offers the opportunity to work with the Communications Department of an organization that represents music professionals and operates some of the most recognized institutions and programs in the music industry.

The position is based in Santa Monica, California, with a remote option listed, and is offered on a part-time basis for the Fall 2026 semester.

Opportunity Overview

• Opportunity: Intern, Communications
• Organization: The Recording Academy
• Industry: Music, Entertainment, Communications, Public Relations and Media
• Location: Santa Monica, California, or Remote
• Work Arrangement: Part-time
• Hours: Approximately 20–24 hours per week
• Internship Duration: One semester, approximately 12 weeks or equivalent
• Program Dates: September 8, 2026 – December 11, 2026
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2026
• Compensation: The position pays applicable county or state minimum wage rates based on the intern’s work location
• Academic Requirement: The intern must be able to provide a letter from their school confirming that they will receive college credit for the internship

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About the Communications Internship

The Communications Intern will join the Recording Academy’s fast-paced Communications Department. The position is suitable for students who want to explore careers in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, entertainment communications and event communications.

The successful intern will support a variety of communications-related activities and gain exposure to the different stages of professional communications work.

The role requires someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented and comfortable managing multiple tasks at the same time. Since the position involves working in a dynamic environment, the intern should also be prepared to learn quickly, collaborate with colleagues and maintain a high level of professionalism.

This internship may be particularly valuable for students interested in learning how communications teams:

• Develop media and press materials
• Create content and identify story opportunities
• Work with journalists and media organizations
• Support major events
• Track media coverage
• Conduct research
• Develop media lists
• Prepare reports
• Coordinate communications projects and administrative processes

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Key Responsibilities of the Communications Intern

1. Draft Press and Communications Materials

The intern will assist with drafting press materials while ensuring that all communications follow the organization’s brand guidelines.

This may involve helping to prepare materials such as:

• Press releases
• Media advisories
• Background information
• Event communications
• Internal communications materials
• Other public relations content

The intern may also be expected to review and edit written materials when necessary. Strong attention to grammar, spelling, tone, clarity and accuracy will therefore be important.

This responsibility provides valuable experience for students who want to develop professional writing and editing skills.

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2. Develop Story Angles and Content Ideas

The Communications Intern will be expected to help identify interesting story angles and fresh ideas for content.

This means the intern may need to:

• Follow developments within the music industry
• Identify topics that may interest media outlets
• Suggest new approaches to communicating stories
• Develop ideas for content and public relations campaigns
• Think creatively about how stories can be presented to different audiences

This is an important responsibility for students interested in public relations and communications because effective communications professionals must be able to identify what makes a story interesting and relevant.

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3. Support Media Outreach

The intern will help pitch genre-specific media and provide writers with the assets they need for their work.

This may include supporting communications activities involving:

• Journalists
• Music publications
• Entertainment media
• Industry publications
• Online media platforms
• Writers and content creators

The intern may also help gather and organize supporting materials such as images, background information, press materials and other assets needed for media coverage.

This experience can help students understand how professional media relations work is organized.

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4. Participate in Events and Media Activities

One of the most exciting aspects of the internship is the opportunity to work at events.

The intern may support events such as:

• Press conferences
• Red carpet events
• Media rooms
• Other communications and entertainment industry events

Working at events can provide practical experience in professional event communications and media coordination.

Students may gain exposure to how communications teams prepare for and manage events involving journalists, industry professionals, public figures and other stakeholders.

This experience can be especially valuable for students interested in careers in:

• Public relations
• Event communications
• Entertainment communications
• Media relations
• Event management
• Corporate communications

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5. Coordinate Event Production Paperwork and Project Trackers

The intern will assist with event production paperwork and project tracking.

This responsibility requires strong organizational and administrative skills.

The intern may help to:

• Maintain project trackers
• Update event-related documentation
• Organize paperwork
• Monitor deadlines
• Track the progress of communications activities
• Support the coordination of different project components

Students with experience using Microsoft Office applications and other productivity tools may find this aspect of the role particularly relevant.

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6. Conduct Market Research

Research will also form part of the internship.

The intern may be required to conduct market research to support communications initiatives and help the department understand relevant trends, audiences, media outlets and industry developments.

Research activities may include:

• Gathering information
• Reviewing industry trends
• Identifying relevant media outlets
• Researching audiences
• Supporting communications planning
• Organizing findings for internal use

This responsibility can help students strengthen their analytical and research skills.

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7. Generate Targeted Media Lists

The intern will help create media lists tailored to specific projects.

A media list may include relevant journalists, publications, media organizations and other contacts who may be interested in a particular story or campaign.

The intern may need to research and organize media contacts based on factors such as:

• Publication type
• Music genre
• Audience
• Geographic focus
• Editorial interests
• Relevance to a particular project

This is a valuable opportunity to learn how public relations professionals identify and organize media contacts.

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8. Track Press Coverage and Prepare Media Reports

The Communications Intern will also help track press coverage and create media reports.

This may involve monitoring where and how the Recording Academy and its related initiatives are mentioned in the media.

The intern may help to:

• Monitor media coverage
• Record published articles and features
• Organize coverage information
• Track media mentions
• Prepare reports
• Summarize communications results

This can provide practical experience in measuring communications and public relations activities.

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Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The internship is specifically designed for students who meet the following requirements.

Academic Status

Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate programme or graduate programme.

The role is particularly targeted at students pursuing studies in:

• Communications
• Journalism
• Public Relations

Students in closely related academic programmes may also wish to review the official application requirements carefully to determine whether their academic background is suitable.

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Academic Level

Applicants should be:

• Junior undergraduate students
• Senior undergraduate students
• Graduate students

The internship is therefore not primarily aimed at first-year undergraduate students.

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College Credit Requirement

One of the most important eligibility requirements is that the intern must be able to provide a letter from their school confirming that they will receive college credit for the internship.

This means applicants should confirm with their university or college before applying that the institution can provide the required documentation.

Applicants should not wait until the final stage of the recruitment process to investigate this requirement.

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Key Skills and Qualities Required

The Recording Academy is seeking candidates who can demonstrate strong communication, organization and professional skills.

Strong Verbal and Written Communication

Because the role involves press materials, content development, media relations and communications activities, applicants should have strong written and verbal communication skills.

The ideal candidate should be able to:

• Write clearly
• Communicate professionally
• Edit written materials
• Present ideas effectively
• Pay attention to tone and accuracy

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Analytical Skills

The internship also requires analytical abilities.

This may be useful when:

• Conducting market research
• Identifying media opportunities
• Developing story angles
• Tracking press coverage
• Preparing reports

Applicants should be comfortable gathering information, analyzing details and organizing findings.

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Ability to Multitask

The Communications Department operates in a fast-paced environment.

The intern may be required to manage several responsibilities at the same time, particularly around events and communications projects.

Applicants should be able to:

• Prioritize tasks
• Meet deadlines
• Manage competing responsibilities
• Maintain attention to detail
• Stay organized under pressure

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Teamwork

The intern will work as part of a professional communications team.

The ability to collaborate with colleagues and contribute positively to team projects will therefore be important.

Applicants should be comfortable:

• Working with others
• Receiving feedback
• Supporting team objectives
• Communicating with colleagues
• Contributing to shared projects

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Microsoft Office and Computer Skills

Applicants should be proficient in multiple computer applications, including Microsoft Office programmes.

Useful skills may include experience with:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Digital communication tools
• Document management systems
• Project trackers

Strong computer literacy can help an intern manage documents, research, reports and project information efficiently.

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Professionalism and Confidentiality

The role requires honesty, trustworthiness and the ability to maintain confidential information.

This is particularly important because communications professionals may work with sensitive information involving:

• Media relations
• Upcoming announcements
• Events
• Internal projects
• Industry professionals
• Organizational activities

Applicants must understand the importance of professionalism and discretion in the workplace.

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What Makes This Internship Valuable?

The Recording Academy is one of the most recognized organizations in the music industry. The internship therefore provides students with an opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment connected to the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards.

The experience may help interns develop practical skills in:

• Public relations
• Communications
• Journalism
• Media relations
• Event coordination
• Content development
• Research
• Project tracking
• Media monitoring
• Report preparation

The internship may also help students better understand the professional communications process from the development of a story idea through to media outreach and coverage tracking.

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About the Recording Academy

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers and other music professionals.

Its work extends beyond the GRAMMY Awards. The organization is involved in professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services initiatives for the music community.

The Academy also supports and works alongside important affiliated organizations and initiatives, including the GRAMMY Museum, MusiCares and the Latin Recording Academy.

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The GRAMMY Museum

The GRAMMY Museum is dedicated to helping people understand the history and significance of music.

Established in 2008 through a partnership between the Recording Academy and AEG, the museum explores different aspects of music and the recording arts.

Its work includes:

• Exhibitions
• Education
• Grants
• Public programming
• Music preservation initiatives

The museum explores subjects ranging from the technology behind the recording process to the artists and music professionals who have influenced culture.

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MusiCares

MusiCares supports the health and well-being of people in the music community.

The organization provides confidential programmes and assistance relating to areas such as:

• Financial challenges
• Medical needs
• Personal health issues
• Emergency situations
• Recovery and preventative support

MusiCares serves as an important support system for members of the music community who may require assistance.

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The Latin Recording Academy

The Latin Recording Academy is an international membership organization representing Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking music professionals.

Its membership includes:

• Recording artists
• Musicians
• Songwriters
• Producers
• Technical professionals
• Other recording industry professionals

The organization produces the Latin GRAMMY Awards and supports educational and outreach initiatives for the Latin music community.

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Internship Schedule and Working Hours

The Fall 2026 internship is scheduled to run from:

September 8, 2026, to December 11, 2026.

The internship lasts approximately one semester, or 12 weeks or an equivalent period.

The position is part-time, requiring approximately:

20–24 hours per week.

This structure may be suitable for students who need to balance an internship with their academic studies.

The position is listed as being available in Santa Monica, California, and remotely.

Applicants should carefully review the official application information to understand the exact eligibility requirements for the remote work arrangement.

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Compensation

The internship pays applicable county or state minimum wage rates based on the intern’s work location.

Because the applicable minimum wage can depend on the location where the intern is working, applicants should review the official employment terms and confirm the compensation applicable to their location.

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Important Application Deadline

The application deadline for students is:

July 31, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.

Those who need a college credit confirmation letter from their school should begin the process early, as obtaining official academic documentation may take time.

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How to Prepare a Strong Application

Students interested in applying should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their suitability for communications work.

A strong application should highlight:

1. Relevant Academic Background

Clearly state your current degree programme, field of study and academic level.

Students studying communications, journalism, public relations or related disciplines should make this connection clear.

2. Writing and Editing Experience

Highlight experience involving:

• Writing
• Editing
• Content creation
• Press materials
• Articles
• Reports
• Social media communications
• Research writing

3. Media or Communications Experience

If you have experience with media relations, journalism, public relations, communications projects or event communications, ensure that it is clearly presented.

4. Event Experience

Experience supporting events, conferences, media activities or public programmes may be relevant to this internship.

5. Research and Analytical Skills

Highlight experience conducting research, preparing reports, gathering information or analyzing data.

6. Organizational Skills

Since the role involves project trackers, paperwork, deadlines and multiple tasks, applicants should demonstrate strong organization and attention to detail.

7. Computer Skills

Mention relevant proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other tools used for document preparation, data organization and project tracking.

8. College Credit Confirmation

Applicants should be prepared to provide the required letter from their school confirming that they will receive college credit for the internship.

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Physical Requirements

The job posting states that certain roles may require employees or interns to:

• Stand for extended periods
• Walk for extended periods
• Sit for extended periods
• Work at a computer for extended periods
• Lift or move up to 60 pounds

Reasonable accommodations may be available for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Applicants should review the specific physical requirements applicable to the role and work arrangement for which they are applying.

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Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The Recording Academy and its affiliates state that they are committed to equal employment opportunity and an inclusive workplace.

The organization states that it does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or other characteristics protected by law.

The organization also states that reasonable accommodations may be provided for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship.

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Final Thoughts

The Fall 2026 Communications Internship at the Recording Academy is a valuable opportunity for students seeking practical experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations and the entertainment industry.

Through the internship, successful candidates can gain exposure to press material development, content ideas, media outreach, event support, research, media list development, project tracking and press coverage reporting.

The opportunity is particularly suitable for junior and senior undergraduate students and graduate students studying Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related fields. Applicants must also be able to obtain a school letter confirming that they will receive college credit for the internship.

With the application deadline set for July 31, 2026, eligible students should begin preparing their applications early and carefully review the academic credit requirement before applying.

This internship could provide an important opportunity to build practical communications experience while learning within the organization behind one of the world’s most recognized music awards.

Application deadline: July 31, 2026.